(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION
(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
International Bureau
(43) International Publication Date
4 January 2001 (04.01.2001)
PCT
(10) International Publication Number
WO 01/00090 Al
(51) International Patent Classification 7 : A61JB 5/15
(21) International Application Number: PCT/NL99/00403
(22) International Filing Date: 30 June 1999 (30.06.1999)
(25) Filing Language: ^gOsh
(26) Publication Language: English
(71) Applicant (for all designated States except US): NED-
ERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST-
NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK
TNO [NL/NL]; Schoemakerstraat 97, NL-2628 VK Delft
(NL).
(72) Inventor; and
(75) Inventor/Applicant (forUSonly): VOS, Hester [NL/NL]-
Stationsweg 1 1 , NL-25 15 BG Den Haag (NL).
(74) Agent: OTTEVANGERS, S., U.; Vereenigde, Nieuwe
Parklaan 97, NL-2587 BN The Hague (NL).
(81) Designated States (national): AE, AL, AM, AT AU AZ,
BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ,' DE, DK EE,
ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP
KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD,
MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, FT, RO, RU SD
SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, US Uz!
VN,YU,ZA,ZW.
(84) Designated States (regional): ARIPO patent (GH GM
KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, UG, ZW), Eurasian patem'(AM'
AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD. RU, TJ, TM), European patent (AT
BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC
NL, PT, SE), OAPI patent (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA
GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
Published:
— With international search report.
For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid-
ance Notes on Codes and Abbreviations" appearing at the begin-
ning of each regular issue of the PCT Gazette.
j| (54) Title: PRICKING DEVICE, CARRIER AND CASSETTE COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF LANCETS
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0 (57) Abstract: Pricking device, comprising a hand holdable body (3) having propelling means (2) for en-asms a lancet <4> in a
skin puncturing, pneking movement relative to the body (3) The mickine device **J?r.7ZTZ km V^f^ ?, Cel (4) ,n a
O comprises indexing means (7) for indexing said lancets (4 . suJn KtoSS bfJoS™ 2 ^ W -
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Title: Pricking device, carrier and cassette comprising a
plurality of lancets.
The invention relates to a pricking device,
comprising a hand holdable body having propelling means for
engaging a lancet in a skin puncturing, pricking movement
relative to said body.
5 Such a pricking apparatus is generally known and is
e.g. used by the diabetic for puncturing the skin of their
finger tips. By puncturing the skin, a drop of blood can be
obtained which can subsequently be analysed with a blood
glucose meter to measure the blood sugar level. On the basis
10 of the measured blood sugar level, a diabetic can determine
the amount of insulin needed.
The known pricking device comprises a substantially
pen- shaped body that is arranged to hold a single lancet,
i.e. a singular needle-shaped object. The propelling means
15 comprise a spring- loaded plunger which can engage a lancet in
a substantially linear pricking movement along the axis of
the pen. In use, a protective cap is removed from the lancet
and the lancet is inserted into the pricking device. Next,
the spring is compressed. Subsequently, the pen is placed
2 0 with the section comprising the lancet close to the skin at
the finger tip. Then, the spring is released and the lancet
is engaged in a skin puncturing, pricking movement. After a
lancet has been engaged in a pricking movement, it needs to
be substituted for a new one and the used lancet needs to be
25 disposed off properly. Depending on the condition of the
diabetic, the pricking device has to be used up to 3 times a
day.
A problem associated with the known pricking device
is that many diabetic find changing of the lancet a time
3 0 consuming, troublesome operation. In preparation of a
pricking movement, the pricking device needs to be opened,
the protective cap needs to be removed from a fresh lancet,
the lancet needs to be inserted in the pricking apparatus and
the pricking apparatus- needs to be closed. After performing
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the pricking operation, the used lancet needs to be removed
from the pricking device, the protective cap needs to be
replaced and the used lancet needs to be disposed off
properly .
The above operations are particularly troublesome for
a large group of elderly diabetic, whose eye-sight has
deteriorated and whose fine motor skills are often
insufficient. In addition, performing the above act is
rendered even more troublesome when the diabetic's digits are
punctured in a number of places. A further problem associated
with the known apparatus is that a relatively large number of
lancets need to be carried with the pricking device, which
causes a problem to the diabetic since he or she already has
to carry a rather large number of other devices, such as a
blood glucose meter, analysing strips, insulin cartridges and
an insulin injector.
In view of the above, many diabetic do not use the
pricking device as often as necessary, which has a serious
deteriorating effect on their condition. Furthermore, many
diabetic do not change the lancet after each use. This
largely increases the pain involved in puncturing the skin
since -the lancet becomes blunt. In addition, the chance of'
the punctures becoming infected is greatly increased.
The object of the invention is to provide a pricking
device in which the above-mentioned problems, can be.
alleviated. According to the invention, the pricking device
is thereto arranged to hold a plurality of lancets and
comprises indexing means for indexing said lancets, such that
each lancet can be positioned in an operating position
wherein it can be engaged in a pricking movement.
This way, loading the pricking device with fresh
lancets and disposing of the used lancets can be concentrated
m one action, which greatly reduces the time needed and
renders the operations less troublesome. Furthermore, loading
and unloading of the pricking device with lancets can be
performed at a convenient place and time. After loading of
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the apparatus with lancets, a diabetic only needs to bring a
new lancet in the operating position, e.g. by pressing the
loading button before each pricking operation, which greatly
increases the chance that the diabetic will use the pricking
5 device when necessary and that the diabetic will use a fresh
lancet for each pricking operation.
By providing a mechanism for automatically indexing
the lancets after each pricking movement of the pricking
device, the use of a fresh lancet for each subsequent
10 pricking operation can be enforced.
By arranging the pricking device to hold a carrier
and/or a cassette comprising a plurality of lancets, loading
and unloading of the pricking device with lancets can be
facilitated further. By providing each lancet with a
15 pierceable closure, each lancet can be provided with a
sterile environment surrounded by said closure, which
environment can be pierced by the lancet during the pricking
movement. The invention also relates to a carrier and/or
cassette comprising a plurality of lancets.
20 It should be noted that the definition of the word
lancet as used in this context is to comprise at least any
substantially needle like object suitable for puncturing the
skin, which needle like object may or may not be provided on
a carrier.
25 The invention will be elucidated with the aid of a
drawing . In the drawing is :
Fig. 1A a schematic diagram of a mechanism for a
first embodiment of a pricking device according to the
invention;
30 Fig. IB a schematic diagram of a mechanism for a
second embodiment of the pricking device according to the
invention;
Fig. 2A a plan view of a detailed embodiment of a
pricking apparatus according to the invention;
35 Fig. 2B a planar longitudinal cross-section of the
apparatus as shown in Fig. 2A;
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Fig. 2C a side elevational view of the apparatus of
Fig. 2A;
Fig. 2D an elevated longitudinal cross-section of the
apparatus as shown in Fig. 2C;
Figs. 3AA and 3AB respectively a side and a plan view
of a wheel carrying lancets;
Figs. 3BA and 3BB respectively a side and a plan view
of a wheel carrying lancets that is blocked against re -use;
Figs. 3CA and 3CB respectively a side and a plan view
of a wheel carrying lancets that are each covered by a
pierceable closure;
Figs. 3 DA, 3DB and 3 DC respectively a plan view, a
side view and a bottom view of a cassette with a wheel
carrying lancets for use in the pricking device shown in
Figs . 2 ;
Figs. 3EA and 3EB respectively a side and a bottom
view of a cassette according to Figs. 3D during use;
Fig. 3 EC a plan view of a cassette comprising cap-
like closures and a cutter for cutting the cap-like closures;
Figs. 3FA and 3FB a lateral cross -section of a
pricking apparatus according to Figs. 2 with its cassette
holder in open position ready for insertion of a cassette and
with an inserted cassette respectively;
Figs. 4A - 4D a planar longitudinal cross-section of
the pricking device according to Figs. 2 in for consecutive
stages of loading and indexing;
Figs. 5A and 5B an elevated longitudinal cross-
section of the pricking device of figs. 2 with the propelling
means in locked position and the propelling means being
released respectively;
Figs. 6A and 6B a planar cross-section. of the
pricking device according to Figs. 2 in respectively a
starting position of the pricking movement and a reversing
position of the pricking movement;
Figs. 6C and 6D each an elevated longitudinal cross-
section corresponding to Figs. 6A and 6B respectively;
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Figs. 7A - 7C a side view of the head portion 64
driving the counter 37 during three subsequent steps of
operation;
Fig. 7D a plan view of the counter shown in Fig. 7C;
5 Figs. 8A and 8B an elevated longitudinal cross-
section of the pricking device according to figs. 2 in closed
and open position respectively; and
Fig. 8C a detail of Fig. 8A.
To enhance clarity, in some drawings a number of
10 parts has been omitted. The drawings are schematic
representations of preferred embodiments of the invention. In
the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are indicated
with the same reference numerals or have equal extensions.
Fig. 1A shows a schematic diagram of a mechanism for
15 a first embodiment of a pricking device 1 according to the
invention. The diagram shows propelling means, embodied as a
linear compression spring 2, attached to the body 3 of the
device 1. In the diagram, the propelling means 2 engage a
lancet 4B in a skin puncturing, substantially linear pricking
20 movement relative to the body 3 along the direction of the
double headed arrow 5.
The pricking device 1 is arranged to hold a plurality
of lancets 4 in a substantially rectangular cassette 6. The
lancets 4 can be positioned loosely in the cassette or they
25 can be attached thereto, e.g. via a carrier carrying one or
more lancets. It should be noted that such a carrier directly
carrying a plurality of lancets may also be used instead of a
cassette.
The lancets 4 are aligned with their longitudinal
30 axes substantially parallel in the cassette 6. After the
lancet 4B has been engaged in a pricking movement, the
propelling means 2 are retracted in the direction of the open
head of the double headed arrow 5. The lancet 4 which has
just been used is automatically retracted into its
35 compartment 6A of the cassette 6. Subsequently, the cassette
6 can be indexed manually in the direction of arrow 7 along
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guides 10 until the spring loaded notch 8A engages a recess
8B in the cassette 6, indicative of a fresh lancet 4C being
positioned in the operating position P. in the operating
position P, the fresh lancet 4C can be engaged in a
subsequent pricking movement by the propelling means 2. Upon
mdexing, the used lancet 4A is shifted further away from the
operating position. In this embodiment, the indexing means
thus comprise means for translating the cassette 6, guides 10
for guiding the cassette 6 and a notch 8A for engaging the
recesses 8B of the cassette. In order to achieve the pricking
movement, the spring 2 is compressed and subsequently
released by means of a compression mechanism and a release
mechanism, which are not shown in the drawing. Such
compression and releasing mechanisms are known to the skilled
man and are therefore not discussed in detail.
The lancets 4 can also be inserted in a magazine or
tray forming part of the pricking device 1, but are
advantageously contained in a cassette 6. The cassette 6 may
be disengaged from the pricking device when all lancets 4
have been engaged in a pricking movement, and may
subsequently be changed for a fresh cassette 6 containing
only unused lancets. It shall be clear to the skilled man
that it is also possible to arrange the lancets with their
axes substantially parallel along an arc or in a revolver
type, cylindrical magazine. Furthermore, it shall be clear to
the skilled man that the lancets may also be aligned with
their axes substantially coaxial, such that after a first
lancet has been engaged in a pricking movement, a subsequent
lancet can be indexed in the operating position P to be
engaged in a pricking movement by removing the used lancet.
In such an embodiment, the indexing movement is substantially
coaxial with the axis A along which the pricking movement is
performed, whereas in the embodiment shown in Fig. ia the
indexing movement is substantially lateral relative to the
axis A.
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Fig. IB shows a schematic diagram of another
embodiment of a pricking device according to the invention
wherein the pricking device 1 is arranged to hold a plurality
of lancets 4 having their axes disposed in a substantially
i radial direction relative to a central axis 11. Preferably,
as shown, the lancets are disposed along the circumference of
a wheel. The lancets 4 are rotationally disposed relative to
the central axis 11, such that they can be indexed by
rotation in the direction of the arrow 12. In the drawing, a
3 fresh lancet 4B has just been indexed in the direction of
arrow 12 such that it was positioned in the operating
position P and is now engaged in a pricking movement, i.e. a
substantially linear, skin puncturing movement outward
relative to the body 3. In this embodiment, the indexing
5 means comprise axis 11, means for driving the wheel to
rotate, e.g. a crank, and means for locking the wheel when a
lancet is in the operating position, e.g. a notch co-
operating with a cogwheel associated with the axis 11.
A more detailed description of a pricking device 1
0 having a mechanism, operating along the principles of
Fig. IB, as well as a cassette for such a pricking device
arranged to hold a plurality of lancets is discussed in the
following paragraphs.
With reference to Figs. 2A - 2D a pricking device 21
25 according to the invention is shown on an enlarged scale. The
pricking device 21 comprises a body 23 that can be held in or
with the palm of a person's hand, having a loading button 31
for loading the propelling means 22 and a pricking aperture
32 through which a lancet 4 can perform a linear skin
30 puncturing pricking movement outward relative to the body 32.
The body 23 further comprises a status window 33 through
which a status indicator 34 can be observed and a counter
window 35 through which the digits 36 of a counter 37 can be
read. The body 23 further comprises a firing button 38
35 through which a releasing mechanism 3 9 for releasing the
propelling means 22 can be actuated.
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The pricking aperture 32 is provided in an adjustable
head portxon 40 which can be rotated relative to the body 23
to adjust the length through which a lancet 4 can maximally
protrude through the pricking aperture 32 at the turning
point of its outward pricking movement; thus providing a
control for the depth a lancet 24 can puncture the skin. Such
an adjustable head portion is known per se. The head portion
40 xs provided with digits 41 on its circumference, which
dxgxts 41 correspond with an indicator 42 to indicate the
position of the adjustable head portion 40 relative to the
body 23, i.e. the pricking depth. The pricking device 21
further comprises a cassette holder 44 for holding a cassette
26 comprising a plurality of lancets 24. The cassette holder
44 xs connected to the body 23 through compression springs
and xs locked in closed position using a latch mechanism 43.
The prxckxng device 21 comprises indexing means 45 for
indexing the lancets 24 in the cassette 26, such that each
lancet 24 can each be positioned to an operating position P
wherexn it can be engaged in a pricking movement through the
pricking aperture 32. '
In the following, first the cassette 26 will be
discussed in detail, whereafter the loading of the propelling
means and the indexing of the lancets are discussed, followed
by a dxscussion of the release mechanism and the pricking
movement. Finally, the working of the counter is set out and
the ejecting movement of the cassette holder 44 is shown
Referring to Figs. 3A - 3F, a cassette 26 is shown
havxng a wheel 46 on the circumference of which a plurality
of lancets 24 is disposed having their axes extend radially
outward relative to the centre of the wheel 46. m the centre
of the wheel 46 an octagonal aperture 47 is located which
fits around a corresponding octagonal axis 48 of the pricking
device. 26. it shall be clear that the number of lancets 26
dxsposed on the circumference of the wheel 4 6 can be chosen
differently, and that instead of a wheel a different carrier
may be used for carrying the plurality of lancets
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The aperture 47 may, as shown in Fig. 3AB, contain a
seal 49 which is broken when an axis 48 is inserted in the
aperture 47. When, after use, the wheel 46 is disengaged from
the axis 48, a catch 50 which was held in place by the seal
5 49 is then pushed into the aperture 47 by a spring 51, such
that the wheel 46 cannot be engaged again by the axis 48.
This way, re -use of a wheel of which at least one lancet has
been engaged in a pricking movement can be prevented. It
shall be clear that such means blocking re-use can designed
10 in numerous ways.
As shown in Figs 3C each lancet 24 is provided with a
pierceable closure 52 maintaining an air tight, preferably
sterile environment around the lancet 24. The pierceable
closure 52 can be punctured by the lancet 24 when it
15 protrudes through the pricking aperture 32. Preferably, the
pierceable closure 52 is made out of (sterile) foil. It shall
be clear that the closure need not be pierceable but can also
be provided as a cap that can be removed or cut. Furthermore,
it should be noted that a pierceable closure 52 may also be
20 used advantageously to provide a conventional, singular
lancet disposed on a carrier with a pierceable air tight or
sterile environment.
As shown in Figs. 3D the wheel 46 may be placed in a
cassette 26. This way, the carrier or wheel can easily be
25 gripped and the risk of accidentally contacting the lancets
24 and/or unintentionally piercing the pierceable closures 52
is greatly reduced. By providing the cassette 26 with an
asymmetrical shape, e.g. by providing a protrusion 53 the
cassette 26, it can be ensured that the cassette 26 can only
30 be held by the cassette holder 44 in the proper orientation.
The wheel 46 is rotatably and slidably positioned in the
cassette holder by means of a slot 54 that co-operates with
axial protrusion 55. This way, the lancets can be indexed by
rotating them towards an operating position P. In the
35 operating position P, during a pricking movement the wheel 46
slides along the slot 54, such that a lancet that is in the
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operating or pricking position P, can perform a substantially
linear pricking movement. This is shown in Fig. 3 E. To enable
the wheel 46 to slide out of the cassette 26 in a pricking
movement, one side of the cassette 26 is provided with an
aperture 57. The aperture 57 can e.g. initially be closed off
with a removable seal 56. Opposite the slot 54, a notch 67 is
present to center the wheel within the cassette in the
starting position shown in fig. 3 DC. It should be noted that
the protrusion 55 may be omitted. Fig. 3 EC shows a cassette
comprising a cutter C for cutting the cap-like closures 52 of
lancets 24 each time the wheel 46 is indexed and a lancet 24
is brought into the operating position P.
To insert the lancets 24 in the pricking device 21
the cassette 26 is simply inserted in an corresponding
opening in the cassette holder 44, as is shown in Fig. 3P . To
facilitate insertion of the cassette 26 into the cassette
holder 44, the cassette holder may be arranged to slide
outwards relative to the body 23 under the action of springs
58. Upon closing of the cassette holder 44, the octagonal
aperture 4 7 of the wheel 46 is engaged by the axis 48.
Referring to Figs. 4A - 4D the loading and indexing
movement of the pricking device 21 is shown. The pricking
device 21 comprises a torsion spring 59 as principal
component of the propelling means 22. To load the torsion
spring 59, the pricking device 21 is provided with a
translation/rotation transformer comprising two co-operating
helical paths 61 and 62.
The first helical path 61 is located on an inner
portion of the loading button 31, which button is slidably
located within the body 23. By pressing the loading button 31
into the body 23 against the force of a compression spring 63
in the direction of arrow I, a second helical part 62 located
on a hollow cylindrical head portion 64 of a pricking rod is
frictionally engaged and is driven to rotate in the direction
of arrow II as shown in the consecutive Figures 3A - 3C. Upon
rotation, the torsion spring 59 is loaded and the head
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portion 64 is locked with the spring 59 in loaded condition.
Thereto, the head portion 64 comprises a depresseable barb 85
on its circumference which co-operates with a stop notch 86
as shown in Fig. 5A.
The head portion 64 is coupled to a pricking rod 65,
which in turn carries the wheel 46. The head portion 64 and
the pricking rod 65 are coupled via a pin 66 located on the
pricking rod 65. The pin 66 is contained in a groove 68
located in the head portion 64. During loading, the pin 66
follows a straight portion 68A of the groove 68, such that
the pricking rod 65 remains stationary. After locking of the
head portion 64 and upon subsequent releasing of the loading
button 31, the loading button 31 returns in the direction of
arrow III to its neutral position shown in Fig. 3D. The
torsion spring 59 is now loaded.
The pricking device 21 also comprises indexing means
45 to position a fresh lancet 24 in an operating or pricking
position P each time the loading button 31 is fully
depressed. Thereto, the loading button 31 comprises a rod 69
that carries a tooth 70. Upon depression of the loading
button 31, the head portion 64 carrying the tooth 70 is
deflected by a notch 71, such that the tooth 70 engages a
recess 72 of a cogwheel associated with the wheel 46. This
causes the wheel 46 to rotate in the direction of the arrow
73, such that a fresh, unused lancet 24 is brought in the
pricking position P opposite the pricking aperture 32. The
axis 4 8 of the pricking device carrying the wheel 46 may be
provided with locking means, e.g. a series of recesses, co-
operating with a spring loaded ball attached to the pricking
rod 65, to fix the fresh lancet in pricking position P. The
rod 69 comprises a recessed portion; such that when the head
portion carrying the tooth 70 has passed the notch 71, the
rod 69 is freed from the notch 71 and can be retracted
without engaging the wheel 46, as is shown in Figs. 4C and
4D.
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Referring to Pigs. 5A and 5B the releasing mechanism
39 is shown. In Fig. 5A the propelling means 22 of the
pricking device 21 are loaded and ready to perform a pricking
movement. The status indicator 34 for indicating the loaded
condition of the propelling means, which is located on the
circumference of the head portion 64, is clearly visible
through the status window 33. Preferably, the status
indicator 34 comprises a bright coloured surface. Similarly,
an indicator for indicating an unloaded condition of the
propelling means, e.g. an uncoloured surface, can be provided
on the opposite side of the head portion 64.
By depressing the firing button 38 in the direction
of arrow 80, a protrusion 81 on the firing button 38 engages
a bevelled portion 82 of a releasing rod 83, such that the
15 rod 83 moves in the direction of arrow 84. Both the firing
button 38 and the releasing rod 83 are spring loaded or
otherwise biased in the opposite directions of arrows 80 and
84, respectively, to return to their positions shown in Fig.
5A. As shown in Fig. 5A, the torsion spring 59 is locked in
20 its loaded position by a depresseable barb 85 extending
radially outwards on the circumference of the head portion
64, which barb 85 is pressed against a stop notch 86. Upon
depression of he firing button 38, the releasing rod 83
engages the depresseable barb 85 with a second bevelled
25 portion 87. This causes the depresseable barb 85 to be
depressed radially inwardly into the circumference of the
head portion 64, such that the barb 85 is freed from the stop
notch 86 and the head portion 64 is free to rotate and the
pricking movement can start. The firing button 38 can now be'
released, which causes the firing button 38 and the releasing
rod 3 9 to return to their original position shown in Fig. 5A
under the spring action. To ensure proper operation of the
releasing mechanism 39, the firing button 38 may comprise a
double releasing rod 83, which is engaged by a corresponding
35 double protrusion 81 on the firing button 38.
30
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Referring to Figs. 6A-6D the pricking movement is
shown. After freeing of the barb 85, the head portion 64 is
driven by the torsion spring 59 to rotate in the direction of
arrow 90. This causes the pin 66 located on the pricking rod
5 65 to follow the U-shaped portion 68B of the groove 68. This
way, rotation of the head portion 64 is transmitted into a
substantially linear pricking movement on .the pricking rod
along the direction of double arrow 91, first outwardly
relative to the body in the direction of the closed head of
10 the arrow and, after reaching a reversing point, subsequently
inwardly in the direction of the open head of the arrow 91.
This embodiment of the propelling means ensures a proper
singular linear inward and outward movement of the lancet 24 .
It should be noted that such a pin-groove mechanism is known
15 as such.
The pricking rod 65 is provided with an axis 48 on
its end portion 92. The axis 48 carries the wheel 46 which is
located in the cassette 26. During the pricking movement, the
cassette 26 is held in place, while the pricking rod 65
20 slides the wheel 46 out of the cassette, such that a lancet
24 that is in the pricking position P performs a
substantially linear pricking movement by moving outwardly
through the pricking aperture 32 and backwards. During the
outward movement, the pierceable closure 52 surrounding the
25 lancet 24 is pressed against the inner side of the head
portion 40, such that it is pierced by the lancet 24 and the
lancet 24 becomes uncovered. It shall be clear that the body
23 may alternatively comprise opening means, e.g. a cutter C,
for opening a closure surrounding a lancet 24. Also, a cutter
30 C may be provided within the cassette 26 as shown in fig.
3EC.
As discussed before, the head portion 4 0 can be
adjusted along the axis of the body 23, such that the length
over which the lancet 24 can maximally protrude through the
35 pricking aperture 32 can be adjusted. During the pricking
movement, the axis 48 of the pricking rod 65 and the axial
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protrusion 55 of the wheel 46 slides along the slot 54 in the
cassette 26. At the end of the pricking movement, the
pricking rod 65 is fully retracted in the direction of the
open head of arrow 91 and the pricking device is in its
unloaded position as shown in Pig. 4 A. To ensure proper
linear movement of the pricking rod 65 a number of guidina
elements 93 is provided.
Referring to Figs. 7A - 7D, the mechanism of the
counter 37 is shown. After the depresseable barb 85 on the
cxrcumference of the head portion 64 has been freed from the
stop notch 86 by. being pressed inwards by the second bevelled
portion 87 of the releasing rod 83, the head portion 64 is
free to rotate in the direction of arrow 90. The depresseable
barb 85 subsequently flexes outwardly and engages a cog 94 of
a cogwheel 95 associated with the counter dial 88 This
causes the counter to rotate in the direction of arrow 90
thus indexing the counter dial 88 such that a new digit 36
e.g. corresponding to the number of used or unused lancets' 24
on the wheel 46 becomes visible through the counter window
35. The counter is provided with a resetting mechanism that
resets the counter when a new cassette 26 is placed in the
cassette holder 44, such that the counter dial 88 indicates
the maximum number of unused lancets 24.
Referring to Figs. 8A - 8C it can be seen that the
cassette holder 46 comprises a protrusion 97. in closed
position, the protrusion 97 is hooked under the counter dial
88, such that when the latch 43 is released, i.e. is moved in
the direction of the arrow 101, the cassette holder 44 is
kept in closed position, unless the protrusion 97 corresponds
with passages 98 in the counter dial 88, such that the
protrusion 97 can pass through the passages 98 and the
cassette holder 44 can open in the direction of arrow 99 By
providing openings in the counter 37 that correspond to the
position wherein either all lancets 24 on the circumference
of the wheel 46 are used and all lancets on the circumference
of the wheel 46 are fresh, it can be prevented that a
WO 01/00090
PCT/NL99/00403
15
cassette 26 can be taken out of the closed cassette holder 44
before all lancets 24 have been used. It shall be clear to
the skilled man that such blocking means preventing access to
the holder until all lancets of a carrier or a cassette
present in the holder have been engaged in a pricking
movement, can be designed in many ways.
It shall be clear that the invention is not
restricted to the preferred embodiments shown in the
drawings. In particular, it shall be clear to the skilled man
that many alternatives exist for performing the functions of
the various mechanisms discussed and that such mechanisms can
be equally well applied to the various embodiments of the
pricking apparatus. It shall e.g. be clear that the releasing
mechanism can be constructed in various other ways and that a
releasing mechanism may also be used with a pricking device
arranged for holding a cassette and/or carrier with
parallelly disposed lancets. In addition, many functions of
the pricking device may be performed or powered
electronically. In particular, the indexing means, the
counter, and/or the propelling means may be powered and/or
controlled electrically. Furthermore, the cassette, the
carrier and the holder may have various designs, in
particular the number and arrangement of the lancets can be
varied. Such embodiments are within the scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
WO 01/00090
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16
10
Claims
1. Pricking device, comprising a hand holdable body
having propelling means for engaging a lancet in a skin
puncturing, pricking movement relative to said body,
characterised in That the pricking device is arranged to hold
a plurality of lancets and comprises indexing means for
indexing said lancets, such that each lancet can be
positioned in an operating position wherein it can be engaged
in a pricking movement.
2. Pricking device according to claim 1, wherein the
indexing means are operatively coupled to the propelling
means, such that during loading and/or releasing of the
propelling means the indexing means are actuated.
3. Pricking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
the indexing means comprise locking means for locking a
15 lancet in the operating position.
4. Pricking apparatus according to any of claims 1-3,
wherein the pricking device comprises a holder for holding a
carrier and/or cassette comprising a plurality of lancets.
5. Pricking device according to claim 4, wherein the
20 holder is operatively coupled to blocking means for blocking
access to the holder until all lancets of a carrier or
cassette present in the holder have been engaged in a
pricking movement.
6- Pricking device according to any of claims 1-5,
25 wherein opening means are provided for opening a closure
surrounding a lancet.
7. Pricking means according to claim 6, wherein the
opening means comprise a cutter.
8. Pricking device according to any of the preceding
claims, comprising a counter for indicating the number of
lancets of the plurality of lancets that have been engaged
and/or that remain to be engaged.
30
WO 01/00090
PCT/NL99/00403
17
9. Pricking device according to any of the preceding
claims, wherein an indicator is provided for indicating a
loaded and/or an unloaded status of the propelling means.
10. Carrier for use in a pricking device according to any
of the preceding claims, which carrier comprises a plurality
of lancets.
11. Carrier according to claim 10, wherein the lancets
are disposed with their longitudinal axes substantially
parallel.
12. Carrier according to claim 10, wherein the lancets
are disposed with their longitudinal axes substantially
outwardly relative to a central portion.
13. Carrier according to claim 12, wherein the lancets
are disposed radially outwardly relative to said central
portion.
14. Carrier according to any of claims 10-13, wherein
each lancet is provided with a closure providing said lancet
with an airtight, preferably sterile environment.
15. Carrier according to claim 14, wherein said closure
is puncturable.
16. Carrier according to claim 15, wherein said closure
comprises a puncturable foil.
17. Carrier according to any of claims 10-16, wherein
blocking means are provided for blocking insertion of the
carrier into a pricking device when at least one of the
lancets have been engaged in a pricking movement.
18. Cassette for use in a pricking device according to
any of claims 1-9, comprising a plurality of apertures, each
comprising at least one lancet.
19 . Cassette for use in a pricking device according to
any of claims 1-9, comprising at least one aperture
comprising at least one carrier according to any of claims 9-
17.
20. Cassette according to claim 19, wherein said at least
one carrier is slidably and/or rotatably disposed within said
at least one aperture.
WO 01/00090
PCT/NL99/00403
18
1* . CaSS6tte aCCOrdin9 to claims " 20, wherein said
cassette comprises opening means for opening said closures
Cassette according to claim 20, wherein said opening
means comprise a cutter. ■
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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
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PCT/NL99/00403
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
3/18 PCT/NL99/00403
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SUB STITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
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PCI7NL99/00403
40
38-
35-
33-
-I
/
21
43
23
31
FIG. 2C
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
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L- A
FIG. 2D
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
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PCT/NL99/00403
FIG.3BA FIG.3BB
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
WO 01/00090
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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
WO 01/00090
8/18
PCT/NL99/00403
55
FIG. 3EA
$ n % /
,i » i
0
\ \
1 '■ » * * M \
0/ \
54
26
FIG.3EB
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
9/18
PCI7NL99/00403
FIG. 3EC
SUBS TITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
WO 01/00090
10/18
PCT/NL99/00403
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
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FIG. 4a
70
FIG. 4b
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
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PCT7NL99/00403
46 24
FIG. 4c
RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91)
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FIG. 5a
FIG. 5b
RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91)
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PCT/NL99/00403
FIG. 6a
FIG. 6b
RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91)
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FIG. 6c
FIG. 6d
RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91)
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FIG. 7b
99 36
FIG. 7c FIG. 7d
RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91)
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FIG. 8a
FIG. 8b
RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91)
WO 01/00090
18/18 PCT/NL99/00403
FIG. 8c
RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91)
INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
i — - »* - ' a nnlTi i I* ii tin
ut^-4Dcnai ApfmooEDon no
PCT/NL 99/00403
A. CUtSanCKTKW OF SUBJECT HATTER
IPC 7 A61B5/T5
AoooidhatoirtematiortaJr^tert
B. FIELDS 8EARCHED
Antonio doc
IPC 7
unentaflon aeejched (daaafflcaflonayatefii fcJowed by ctaaaitication
A61B
eymbcte)
DocwitnB^ocawhadofref In the Mde eeejched
BectrertedBtebctMooimA«ddwtr^«w fciternaflonal twdi (name of data base and, where practical, *eerch terme uied)
C DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
Category*
Citation of docunent, wfth abdication, where appropriate, of the relevant paaaagaa
n ■ i j *-» j._kuL >j—
neNveji «o cnarn no.
X
DE 28 03 345 B (EISIN6ER)
13 June 1979 (1979-06-13)
the whole document
1-4,6,
10,11, |
14-16, |
18-21 j
X
FR 1 065 689 A (N0LLEN)
28 Hay 1954 (1954-05-28)
the whole document
1-4,10,
11
X
US 4 794 926 A (INVICTUS)
3 January 1989 (1989-01-03)
the whole document
10,12-16
| j Further docunenteem Med In to ccntfcwatonetbexC.
|u 1 PjlI-L1^ " "■ ill null ■■■ — ■
r i roxani canary nwnn>era are hm
to annex
•^eoWcetegorieeefcReddocunerte: ^ Wwdoaenent ptttkhed after to MemadonelflkigdBte
or priority Artw and not In conflict wttii the acclcation but
-A- doawentdeft^^Qe^a^oflhe art which knot dledtounaena^twpite^or toecry nxjertytog the
cuiakteredtobe crfpeitittaaj' relevance toverition
T t^4ooMtMttUi****»d<*<*en»*» hlwnaacnd v AxonemotpartcUar relevaix* the cteaned Invention
fltoQdate cannot be ccrw*deted novel or cannot be conaidered to
V docuDeri whkh may frrow ck*i*» <"pd«*y c*akn(«) or *vctve an Invendve step when the document L» taken atone
i^b<*ri*9*st^t*i*tiki^<to<*en<to "T docunertc^partcUaf wamno^ hvention
citation or ether apectaJ reaacn (ae epecmeo) cannot be ccnatdeied to tovotve an frwentive atop when the
"0" docunent refentng to an oral dadoaure, uae, exhfctton or docunent la ccrnbtoed wfth one or mew other euch docu-
oflwrneana menta. auch comfctoation betno, oovioua to a peraon aWled
■P- docunentptf*ahe<lpitortothehr^^ fltog date but h the ait " m & .
later thanthepdorty date claimed decurnert member ot the «am© peiant famly
Date of tie actual completion of tfteMctnaflonaj aeaich
Date of mating of the InternaJonaJ at
tench report
29 February 2000
08/03/2000
Name and maatog addreaa of tm ISA
European Patent Office. PB. 5618 P&tenSaan 2
r&-220OHVR9aTwtJ.
Tel (431-70)340-2040. Tx. 31 061 eponJ.
Fax (+31-70) 340-3018
j^iafraitead ofBoei
Leaercler, D
farm PCTV1SA210 (aeoend *mnQ <JUy 1902)
INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
Patent document
cited In search report
PifclcaUon
date
fri* atioo* Apcticotion No
PCT/NL 99/00403
Patent famffy
PUMcatJon
date
DE 2803345 B
13-06-1979
NONE
FR 1065689 A
28-05-1954
NONE
US 4794926 A
03-01-1989
NONE
Rum PCT/«A*io (j*Nt tarty m4 frAiy 1002)
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